Continuous-Flow Energy Installation, in Particular a Wind Power Installation

ABSTRACT

Continuous-flow energy installation having at least one rotor ( 1 ), which rotates around an axis (A 1 ), having rotor blades ( 2 ), an inlet surface structure being associated with the rotor, and the rotor blades and/or the inlet surface structure at least partially consisting of one or more air cushions.

The invention relates to a continuous-flow energy installation, in particular a wind power installation, which has at least one rotor, which rotates around an axis, having rotor blades. DE 810 500 B has already described a wind turbine having blades rotatable around a vertical axis, which is situated in a guide housing, which has a slightly tapering intake channel. A shielding body is centrally situated in the incident flow direction, which has an unfavorable effect on the flow, however.

According to DE 299 20 899 U1, 2451751 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,918, wind power installations having vertical rotor and frontal incident flow are known, which also have a special housing-like inlet surface structure, through which funneling or suction is to be achieved, whereby higher through flow velocities are achievable.

DE 201 02 051 U1 discloses a wind power installation having vertical rotors with frontal incident flow, whose incident flow area is provided with funnel-like inlet and cover plates in a complex manner. A total of three vertical rotors are situated in this wind power installation. The flow resistance of this installation is increased in particular by the centrally situated baffle plates. Furthermore, a plurality of inlet surfaces are provided on the outer periphery.

A continuous-flow energy installation is described in WO 02/095221 A1, which also has a rotor having a vertical rotational axis, which is also regionally enclosed by a peripheral inlet surface structure and has inlet surfaces, which are situated on both sides of the rotor.

In all of the above mentioned solutions, the rotor blades extend from bottom to top and have a shape like an airfoil in cross-section.

The production of the inlet surface structures or the rotor blades is complicated and therefore the expenditure for design and manufacturing is relatively complex. In addition, the transport of these installations requires a large amount of space.

Inflatable air cushions which are used for boats and buildings have been known for some time. Thus, for example, the outer skin of the “Allianz Arena” was manufactured from a plurality of air cushions.

A stadium made of plastic on air cushions was disclosed in DE 10117 283 A1. For this purpose, modules made of soft plastic were brought into shape using compressed air and made load-stable and dimensionally-stable by rows of hard plastic seats and plates on the outer side and on the base as well as by internal tension cables.

Furthermore, an inflatable air cushion is known from the publication EP 1 752 070 B1, which is usable for an inflatable mattress, an inflatable couch, an inflatable bridge, or an inflatable boat, and is to have a flat surface configuration. The air cushion has a plurality of intersecting tension elements for this purpose, which are connected at both ends to the inner side of the outer skin and are brought under tension when the inflatable air cushion is inflated.

An air cushion which is to unfold properly is described in EP 1 386 586 B1. The femoral compression air cushion unit comprises a base plate and an inflatable air cushion, which is attached to the base plate, for this purpose, the air cushion unit comprising an internal telescopic guide, which connects the base plate to the air cushion, and the telescopic guide comprising a first rod, which is situated in a displaceable relationship to a guide element, the rod and the guide element being telescopically connected to one another.

However, the previously known air cushions are not provided for use in continuous-flow energy installations.

The object of the invention is to provide a continuous-flow energy installation, which has a simply designed structure and requires little space during transport.

The object is achieved by the features of the first patent claim. Advantageous embodiments result from the subclaims.

The continuous-flow energy installation according to the invention has, according to the invention, at least one rotor, which rotates around an axis, having rotor blades, an inlet surface structure being associated with the rotor and the rotor blades and/or the inlet surface structure at least partially consisting of one or more air cushions. The structure of the installation is thus substantially simplified, weight is reduced, and the transport volume is decreased.

The inlet surface structure preferably comprises at least two guide elements situated laterally to the rotor for the flow medium (referred to as diffuser elements hereafter), which are fastened on a main body.

The main body has two end plates spaced apart from one another, between which the diffuser elements implemented as air cushions are situated. The diffuser elements implemented as air cushions are preferably fastened using first struts between the end plates, for which purpose the diffuser elements have cutouts and the first struts penetrate the air guide elements in the area of the cutouts. For this purpose, the diffuser elements are reinforced in the area of their cutouts, e.g., using metal sleeves or plastic sleeves.

The rotor has at least two rotor plates spaced apart from one another, between which the rotor blades implemented as air cushions are fastened, in particular using two struts. The rotor blades also have cutouts and the second struts penetrate the rotor blades in the area of these cutouts. The rotor blades are advantageously implemented as reinforced in the area of the cutouts like the air guide elements.

At least one or both end plates of the main body are also provided with air cushions pointing outward, whose footprint essentially corresponds to the footprint of the corresponding end plate.

The air cushions have an outer skin and stabilizing tension elements, which are fastened on the outer skin, advantageously extend inside the air cushion.

Each air cushion can have one or more chambers, which are connected to one another and are fillable by a connection. Alternatively, each chamber can be fillable separately

The roller-like rotor preferably has rotor blades extending in the axial direction of the axis of the rotor and the diffuser elements situated between the end plates of the main body preferably also extend in the axial direction of the axis of the rotor.

The diffuser elements situated laterally to the rotor are particularly regionally curved in such a way that they are adapted to the profile of an envelope circle, which encompasses the ends of the rotor blades pointing outward.

The diffuser elements are particularly implemented like an airfoil profile in cross-section and form an inflow opening and an outflow opening for the flow medium, starting from the incident flow direction of the wind, the spacing between the surfaces of the air guide elements facing toward one another tapering up to the rotor like a confuser, subsequently being adapted to the profile/diameter of the rotor, and widening like a diffuser after the rotor. The outwardly pointing surfaces of the air guide elements are situated essentially in a mirror image to one another.

Through this novel innovative design of the continuous-flow energy installation, it is easily producible and transportable.

In particular employment with gaseous media, i.e., the use as a wind power installation (wind turbine), but also employment in liquid media, e.g., as a water power turbine or as a water wheel, open up new possibilities and ensure cost-effective mass production. The air cushions are first filled upon installation of the wind power installation. In the incident flow direction of the wind, the inflow opening tapers from the entry of the confuser up to in front of the rotor at a ratio of 6:1, but preferably to a width which corresponds to approximately 50% of the diameter of the rotor. The outflow opening widens in relation thereto after the rotor to approximately twice the diameter of the rotor. The diffuser elements are fastened on the base plate, on which the rotor is also mounted so it is rotatable. The terminus plate is mounted so it is pivotable around a second axis in the case of vertical axial orientation, e.g., on a mast. Since the diffuser elements are connected to the base plate and the rotor is situated between the end plates of the housing, they jointly execute the pivot movement around the vertical second axis. The axes of the base plate and the rotor align or are spaced apart from one another, whereby better tracking of the installation as a function of the wind direction is ensured. It is also possible to mount the main body and the rotor separately, so that only the main body having the diffuser elements is pivoted if the wind direction changes.

At least one rotor is mounted so it is rotatable between the end plates. Two or more rotors may also be situated adjacent to one another or one over the other between the end plates. Each rotor has at least two rotor plates, between which the rotor blades extend. Further rotor plates which stabilize the rotor blades may be situated between the two outer rotor plates. The rotor plates are preferably implemented as circular.

The rotor has multiple rotor blades around the periphery. Furthermore, in the “two-story” or “multistory” construction, rotor blades one over the other or adjacent to one another (depending on the orientation of the rotational axis) may also be combined. These rotor blades of the rotor which are situated one over another/adjacent to one another may align with one another or may be situated offset to one another in the peripheral direction.

The energy provided using the continuous-flow energy installation is usable via a generator for power generation or can also be employed directly to charge a battery. Furthermore, it is possible to use the rotation thereof to generate hot water.

The continuous-flow energy installation is preferably conceived in such a way that it is pivotable in any arbitrary direction. It is thus usable, having a vertically or horizontally oriented first axis of the rotor, as both a wind power installation and also as a turbine in liquid media (rivers, dams). Due to the employment of air cushions as diffuser elements, the installation is predestined for floating use in watercourses, since it rises and sinks with the level and is therefore operable independently of the water level. If the continuous-flow energy installation is used as a wind power installation, adjustability of the diffuser according to the wind direction is advantageous, so that the incident flow opening is always pointed or oriented in the wind direction. This can be implemented, for example, using a vane-like configuration on or under the wind power installation. This is a simple and low-maintenance possibility for automatic orientation of the diffuser housing. The height of the diffuser element is to correspond approximately to the height of the rotor. It is possible to use the continuous-flow energy installation according to the invention in land, air, and water vehicles, depending on the field of use, in connection with corresponding outputs and converters for energy generation from the wind or travel wind and/or from flowing liquid media. The wind power installation can be used in connection with a generator to charge a battery, for example. However, the continuous-flow energy installation is also operable in combination with hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or other electrical systems or in combination with an internal combustion engine like a hybrid system. Furthermore, it is possible to use it in space travel. Through the configuration of one or two of the diffuser elements at a relatively small spacing from the rotor blades and the funnel-shaped expansion in and opposite to the wind direction in connection with the employment of the air guide blades, a surprisingly strong suction effect and a partial vacuum in the outflow direction of the wind are to be noted, which results in a large increase of the through flow velocity and thus the speed of the rotor. The output of the wind power installation can thus be increased by approximately 30%.

The invention is explained in greater detail hereafter on the basis of exemplary embodiments and associated drawings. In the figures:

FIG. 1: shows a three-dimensional view of a wind power installation from the incident flow direction

FIG. 2: shows a three-dimensional detail view of a first air guide element

FIG. 3: shows a three-dimensional detail view of the first diffuser element having first struts

FIG. 4: shows a three-dimensional detail view of a second diffuser element,

FIG. 5: shows a three-dimensional detail view of the second diffuser element having second struts,

FIG. 6: shows a schematic view of the coupling of the first and second diffuser elements to the main body,

FIG. 7: shows a three-dimensional view of a rotor having rotor blades, which are situated one over another and offset to one another, made of air cushions,

FIG. 8: shows a cross-section through a wind power installation in the area of the rotor and the diffuser elements situated on both sides thereof

FIG. 9: shows a top view of a wind power installation having a weathervane on the bottom side,

FIG. 10: shows a use of a vertical continuous-flow energy installation for the power supply of an apartment building,

FIG. 11: shows a use of a vertical continuous-flow energy installation for power generation or for charging a battery on a ship,

FIG. 12: shows a use of two horizontal continuous-flow energy installations on a roof for the power supply of an apartment building,

FIG. 13: shows a use of a “floating” horizontal continuous-flow energy installation for power generation in the front view in a river or canal.

FIG. 1 shows the three-dimensional view of a continuous-flow energy installation upon use as a wind power installation having a first roller-type rotor 1, which is rotatable around a first vertical axis A1, from the incident flow direction. The rotor 1 has three vertically extending rotor blades 2, an air guide blade 3 being connected upstream from each rotor blade 2 in the rotational direction. The rotor 1 is delimited here by a lower terminating first rotor plate 4 and an upper terminating second rotor plate 5 (see FIG. 7). The rotor 1 is stabilized by two (see FIG. 1) or by only one (see FIG. 2) stabilizing rotor plates 6 between these two outer rotor plates 4, 5. The rotor blades 2 and the air guide blades 3 can be integrally formed, i.e., can be continuous from the beginning to end and can penetrate the stabilizing rotor plates, or can be implemented in multiple parts. The rotor blades 2 and the air guide blades 3 are implemented as solid here.

The air guide blades 3 are spaced apart from the rotor blades 2, as is also shown in FIG. 9. The air guide blades 3 cause the air flow of the rotor blade 2 to be maintained longer, whereby the efficiency of the installation can be substantially increased. The “double blade” formed from the rotor blade 2 and the air guide element 3 therefore causes a substantial performance increase of the installation. The direction of curvature of rotor blade 2 and air guide element 3 is preferably implemented in the same direction. The rotor 1 is partially sheathed by an air guiding surface structure 7 (see FIG. 1), which is seated so it is pivotable on a mast M. The air guiding surface structure 7 comprises an upper first end plate 8.1 and a lower second end plate 8.2, between which a first diffuser element 9 and a second diffuser element 10 extend on both sides of the rotor 1, both diffuser elements 9, 10 being formed from air cushions. The first diffuser element 9 has three chambers 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 situated one over another and the second diffuser element 10 has three chambers 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 situated one over another. It is possible that instead of an air cushion having multiple chambers, individual air cushions may also be situated one over another. The air cushion or cushions are tensioned against the lower and upper end plates 8.1, 8.2 or, in the case of multiple air cushions, also against one another upon filling. If multiple air cushions are used, they may additionally be connected among one another.

The rotor 1 is covered by up to approximately 50% of its diameter by the first diffuser element 9 in the incident flow direction, so that the rotor 1 only has incident flow on approximately 50% of its width. In the incident flow direction of the wind W, an inflow opening E is formed between the two diffuser elements 9, 10 in front of the rotor 1 and an outflow opening A is formed opposite thereto behind the rotor 1. The vertical outer surfaces 9 a and 10 a of the first and second diffuser elements 9, 10 are implemented in a mirror image to one another and are curved between the inflow opening E and the outflow opening A, first convexly in a large arc of curvature and then concavely in a smaller arc of curvature.

Guide elements L having a bevel of approximately 45°, by which turbulence can be avoided or reduced, extend toward the first and the second diffuser elements 9, 10 from the upper end plate 8.1 and from the lower end plate 8.2.

FIG. 3 shows the three-dimensional detail view of the first diffuser element 9, which is implemented as an air cushion and has three chambers 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 situated one over another. Three cutouts 20 are provided in the first diffuser element 9, which are used for the fastening thereof. The cutouts 20 may be provided with a metal reinforcement 21, for example. According to FIG. 3, the first diffuser element 9 has five chambers 9.1 to 9.5 situated one over another, which are implemented in an air cushion. In this case, only two cutouts 20 are present, which were provided with a reinforcement 21 and were introduced into the first strut 21, which leads through the cutouts 20. The first struts 21 are fastened on the first and the second end plates 8.1, 8.2 (not shown here). The structure of the second diffuser element 10 according to FIG. 4 is designed similarly as according to FIG. 2. It is also implemented as an air cushion and has three chambers 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 situated one over another, which are provided with three cutouts 20, the cutouts 20 also having reinforcements 21. FIG. 4 shows a second diffuser element 10 having five chambers 10.1 to 10.5 and two cutouts 20 provided with a reinforcement 21, through which the first struts 22 protrude. Both diffuser elements 9, 10 are fastened to one another using fasteners (not shown) and are mounted so they are pivotable using transverse struts 14 according to FIG. 6, which are attached at the upper and lower ends of the struts 13. The corresponding bearing 15 is seated on the top of an axis 16, which is fastenable here via a base plate 17 on a mast (not shown here), for example.

The three-dimensional view of a rotor 1 having rotor blades 2 situated one over another and offset to one another (without the use of air guide blades) is shown in FIG. 7. The rotor blades 2 situated between the first rotor plate 4 and the third rotor plate 6 are situated offset to the rotor blades 2 situated between the second rotor plate 5 and the third rotor plate 6, so that in each case an upper rotor blade 2 lies essentially in the middle between two lower rotor blades 2 in the top view (see FIG. 8). The rotor blades 7 are formed as air cushions, which are fastened on the rotor plates 4, 5, 6 using second struts 23 which penetrate them in the longitudinal direction.

The top view of the rotor 1 according to FIG. 6 and the diffuser elements is schematically shown in FIG. 8, the rotor 1 being partially sheathed by the first and the second diffuser elements 9, 10 here. The upper terminus plate was not shown here. The first struts 22 for fastening the diffuser elements 9, 10 and the second struts 23 for fastening the rotor blades 2 are indicated. The diffuser elements 9, 10 and the rotor blades 2 comprise air cushions. The inflow opening E oriented in the incident flow direction of the wind W and the outflow opening A are once again obvious from this view according to FIG. 7. The first diffuser element 9 covers approximately 50% of the rotor 1 in the incident flow direction, less coverage also being able to be provided. Furthermore, a rounded edge 9.1 is provided on the first diffuser element 9 laterally to the inflow opening and a rounded edge 10.1 is provided on the second diffuser element 10. The two edges 9.1, 10.1 protrude outward beyond the outer diameter of the rotor 1 in the incident flow direction. The spacing b1 of the two edges 9.1, 10.1 approximately corresponds to the rotor diameter D or is somewhat greater than the rotor diameter D. The first diffuser element 9 has a further rounded edge 9.2 in the outflow direction A. A third rounded edge 9.3 is provided on the first diffuser element 9, which covers approximately 50% of the rotor 1 here, at only a small spacing from the rotor 1. The second diffuser element 10 also has a rounded edge 10.2 in the direction toward the outflow opening. The vertical outer surfaces 9 a of the first diffuser element 9 extend between the first edge 9.1 and the second edge 9.2, a diffuser surface 9 b extends between the second edge 9.2 and the third edge 9.3, and a confuser surface 9 c extends between the first edge 9.1 and the third edge 9.3. The diffuser surface 9 b first runs from the edge 9.2 in a convex arc, which is adjoined by a concave curve up to the edge 9.3, following the profile of the rotor 1. The confuser surface 9 c first has a concave and then a convex curve from the edge 9.1 up to the edge 9.3. The second diffuser element 10 has the edge 10.2 in the direction toward the wind exit. The second diffuser element 10 has a vertical outer surface 10 a toward the outside and a diffuser surface 10 b in the direction toward the rotor 1 between the edge 10.1 and the edge 10.2. The profile of the diffuser surface 10 a is designed in a mirror image to the surface 9 a. The surface 10 b runs in a convex curve up to the rotor 1, which is adjoined by a concave curve, from which the surface 10 b runs in a convexly curved arc up to the edge 10.2. Viewed outward approximately from the centerline of the rotor 1 in the direction toward the outflow opening A, the surfaces 9 b and 10 b have approximately the same profile in a mirror image. The spacing b2 between the edge 9.3 and the surface 10 b, which delimits the inflow opening E, is at least approximately 0.5×D. The spacing b3 of the edges 9.2 and 10.2 which forms the outflow opening A is preferably approximately 1D to 2D. The rotor blades 2 are implemented in the form of an airfoil in cross-section and extend radially inward in a curved or arced shape from the outer periphery. The convexly curved surface of the rotor blades 2 points in the rotational direction, the concavely curved surface of the rotor blades 2 receives the incident flow. The inner longitudinal edges of the rotor blades 2 point toward the concave surface of the next rotor blade 2. If present, the air guide blades 3 are curved and oriented similarly to the rotor blade. A simple possibility for tracking the air guiding surface structure 7 according to the wind direction is shown in FIG. 9. A weathervane 18 is seated on the lower side of the main body, which protrudes beyond the air guiding surface structure 7 radially on the side of the outflow opening A. It is also obvious from this illustration that an air guide blade can be assigned to each rotor blade.

With the aid of the transmission, for example, the output of the rotor of the continuous-flow energy installation in the form of a low speed and a high torque is converted into an output required for a generator, i.e., a high speed and a low torque.

The output provided by the rotation of the rotor is relayed by the transmission (not shown in the exemplary embodiments) to the corresponding accepting assemblies (generator, pump, etc.).

Furthermore, it is possible according to exemplary embodiments (not shown) to drive a pump through the continuous-flow energy installation.

The continuous-flow energy installation is pivotable as desired and can operate using horizontally or vertically oriented rotor axes. It is also possible to pivot the continuous-flow energy installation (symbolically within an imaginary spherical body) into any arbitrary position.

The solution according to the invention is therefore usable for manifold areas of application.

Through the acceleration of the wind velocity in the flow bodies by the air guide elements (diffuser elements) in particular, the energy yield can be increased by more than five-fold in comparison to typical continuous-flow energy installations. Typical, in particular three-bladed horizontal wind power installations, can generate unacceptable acoustic and visual effects. The noise level is often over 35 dB, which is perceived as annoying at night in particular. Furthermore, the change between light and shadow and, in particular in sunshine, the “disco effect”, when light is irregularly reflected from the blank surfaces of the rotor blades, can be unbearable in the long term.

These disadvantages do not occur with the wind power installation according to the invention, because it operates at a very low noise level, which is nearly at zero, or only corresponds to the natural wind noise.

Due to the use of the diffuser or the diffuser elements, an annoying light-shadow change does not occur. It is thus also possible to erect the wind power installations close to residences.

The large outer surfaces 9 a, 10 a of the diffuser elements 9, 10 may be used as billboards.

FIG. 10 shows a vertical continuous-flow energy installation S as a wind power installation, having a body 7 situated on a mast M, which is situated adjacent to a single-family home 19, for example, and can supply it with power and hot water.

FIG. 11 also shows a vertical wind power installation W on a ship 20, using which batteries are rechargeable, for example.

According to FIG. 12, it is also possible to situate one or more horizontal continuous-flow energy installation(s) S on a roof 21. The main body is then received on its two terminus plates 8.1, 8.1, for example, (left wind power installation) or is mounted on the diffuser element (10 here) pointing toward the roof 21, so that it can orient itself according to the wind direction (right wind power installation).

The use of a “floating” horizontal continuous-flow energy installation S for power generation is schematically shown in a front view in the canal 23 in FIG. 22. The continuous-flow energy installation S adapts itself through the air cushions in the form of the diffuser elements and a “floating” fastening to the level of the flowing medium 22. Upon use of the continuous-flow energy installation S in rivers or canals, the living space of the fish is not impaired, since the installation rotates according to the flow of the water and no shear effect is generated thereby. The fishes can swim through the installation or also past the installation.

In all of the above-mentioned examples according to FIGS. 10 to 13, the energy generated using the continuous-flow energy installation S is converted into other forms of energy as needed employing suitable transmissions (e.g., gearwheel transmission, toothed belt transmission), clutches, for example, to compensate for relative movements between a drive shaft (the shaft of the rotor here) and an output shaft (e.g., shaft of a generator) and corresponding converters.

With the aid of the transmission, for example, the output of the rotor of the continuous-flow energy installation in the form of a low speed and a high torque is converted into an output which is required for a generator, i.e., a high speed and a low torque.

The output provided by the rotation of the rotor is relayed by the transmission (not shown in the exemplary embodiments) to the corresponding receiving assemblies (generator, pump, etc.).

Furthermore, it is possible according to exemplary embodiments (not shown) to drive a pump through the continuous-flow energy installation.

The continuous-flow energy installation is pivotable as desired and can operate using horizontally or vertically oriented rotor axes. It is also possible to pivot the continuous-flow energy installation (symbolically within an imaginary spherical body) into any arbitrary position.

The solution according to the invention is therefore usable for manifold areas of application.

Through the acceleration of the wind velocity in the flow bodies by the air guide elements (diffuser elements) in particular, the energy yield can be increased by more than five-fold in comparison to typical continuous-flow energy installations. Typical, in particular three-bladed horizontal wind power installations, can generate unacceptable acoustic and visual effects. The noise level is often over 35 dB, which is perceived as annoying at night in particular. Furthermore, the change between light and shadow and, in particular in sunshine, the “disco effect”, when light is irregularly reflected from the blank surfaces of the rotor blades, can be unbearable in the long term. These disadvantages do not occur with the wind power installation according to the invention, because it operates at a very low noise level, which is nearly at zero, or only corresponds to the natural wind noise. Due to the use of the diffuser or the diffuser elements, an annoying light-shadow change does not occur. It is thus also possible to erect the wind power installations close to residences.

The large outer surfaces 9 a, 10 a of the diffuser elements 9, 10 may be used as billboards. 

1. A continuous-flow energy installation having at least one rotor, which rotates around an axis, having rotor blades, wherein an inlet surface structure is associated with the rotor and the rotor blades, and the inlet surface structure at least partially comprises one or more air cushions.
 2. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 1, wherein the inlet surface structure comprises at least two diffuser elements for guiding the flow medium, which are situated laterally of the rotor.
 3. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 2, wherein the diffuser elements are constructed as air cushions and are fastened between end plates of a main body which are spaced apart from one another.
 4. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 3, wherein the diffuser elements are constructed as air cushions and are fastened using first struts between the end plates.
 5. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 2, wherein the diffuser elements have first cutouts, and the first struts penetrate the diffuser elements in the area of the first cutouts.
 6. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 5, wherein the diffuser elements are reinforced in the area of said first cutouts.
 7. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 1, wherein the rotor has at least two rotor plates, which are spaced apart from one another, and between which the rotor blades, which are constructed as air cushions, are fastened.
 8. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 1, wherein the rotor blades are fastened using two struts on the rotor plates.
 9. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 5, wherein the rotor blades have second cutouts, and second struts penetrate the rotor blades in the area of the second cutouts.
 10. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 3, wherein one or both end plates of the main body are provided with a terminal air cushion having a footprint which essentially corresponds to the footprint of the respective end plate.
 11. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 1, wherein the air cushions have an outer skin, and stabilizing tension elements, which are fastened on the outer skin, extend inside the air cushion.
 12. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 1, wherein the rotor has rotor blades, which are oriented radially from the outside to the inside, extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotor axis.
 13. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 3, wherein the diffuser elements extending between the end plates of the main body extend in the longitudinal direction of the rotor axis.
 14. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 2, wherein the diffuser elements situated laterally of the rotor are regionally curved in the direction toward the rotor so that they are adapted to the profile of an envelope circle which encompasses the outwardly pointing ends of the rotor blades.
 15. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 2, wherein an inflow opening and an outflow opening are formed by two diffuser elements.
 16. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 2, wherein the diffuser element(s) is/are constructed with a cross-sectional profile corresponding to an airfoil.
 17. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 2, wherein, starting from a wind incident flow direction, the spacing between the surfaces of the diffuser elements facing toward one another tapers, is subsequently adapted to the profile/diameter of the rotor, and then widens like a diffuser after the rotor.
 18. The continuous-flow energy installation according to claim 2, wherein outwardly facing surfaces of the diffuser elements are essentially a mirror image of one another. 